The Government of Western Equatoria State, in collaboration with development partners, launched the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Master Plan (2023–2027) on Wednesday in Yambio to strengthen awareness, prevention, and treatment of NTDs across the state.
The launch brought together key partners, including the Christian Blind Mission (CBM), World Health Organization (WHO), Amref Health Africa, IMA World Health, and other organizations working to support the Ministry of Health.
Speaking during the event, Silver Kurado, representing CBM on behalf of other partners, said the master plan is a strategic document designed to guide state-level implementation and ensure resources are aligned with the national health ministry.
David Jacob, the coordinator for Neglected Tropical Diseases in the state health ministry, explained that the plan follows a post–mass drug administration review conducted last year across all ten counties. He said the strategy will guide mapping, coordination, and delivery of services to ensure effective implementation.
For his part, John Lagu, World Health Organization Field Coordinator in Western Equatoria State, said that county health departments have already carried out mass drug administration campaigns, and the new plan marks a fresh phase in the fight against NTDs.
Meanwhile, Rose Obede, a director in the state health ministry, expressed satisfaction with the involvement of stakeholders. She said the master plan will provide a clear roadmap for eliminating NTDs across all counties in Western Equatoria.
State Health Minister James Abdallah Arona thanked the national health ministry for its support. He emphasized that the plan will help reduce the burden of diseases such as river blindness, which remains prevalent in counties like Mvolo, Nagero, and Maridi.
Minister Arona emphasized that with this plan in place, the state is committed to working diligently to reduce sickness and enhance public health in the region.